Apple has rolled out a new iOS 16 developer beta update that brings “Lockdown Mode.” This new Lockdown Mode promises to protect the phone from targeted spyware attacks.
The Lockdown Mode limits certain features of your device and creates a digital moat in the device to prevent intrusion. It will block most message attachment types other than images. It will also block link previews in iMessage. Several complex web technologies including JIT will be disabled.
This mode will also block incoming invitations and service requests like FaceTime call from unknown people. It will also block wired connections with a computer or accessory.
Apple also promises to improve Lockdown Mode over time. The company has also added it to its Security Bounty program to reward researchers who manage to bypass Lockdown Mode or find bugs in it.
The company claims that Lockdown Mode protects against NSO Group and other state-sponsored mercenary spyware. We have read about several government-grade Spywares that hack devices to read messages, call logs, download photos, record the device’s microphone and phone calls, take photos using the phone’s camera, and track the phone’s location.
